STP
A problem solving strategy
Too often groups spend time on the solution when they don't yet understand the present situation, and often have given no thought to where they want to be.  Using this simple S-T-P paradigm will give focus to a group.  

The facilitator usually must work hard to keep a group focused on these three elements in the correct order.  The impulse is to skip right to the Proposed Solution, but any time spent on the Situation and Target will save time and energy in the long run.

Situation:  Determine exactly where you are now.

  • Understand the problem
  • Agree on the problem
  • What are the facts?  Opinions?
  • What things are not the problem?
  • Are there elements of the situation that are truly beyond our control?

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    Target:  Decide where you want to be.

  • Study Best Practices
  • Agree on a target.  How would the situation look if it were exactly like we want it to be?

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    Proposed Solution: 

  • How do we get from our situation to our target?
  • What can the group do to go from the current situation to the desired outcome?  

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